KUALA LUMPUR: The price of roti canai may go up by 10 sen if the cost of ingredients cannot be controlled.
Malaysian Muslim Restaurant Owners Association (Presma) president Datuk Jawahar Ali Taib Khan said the current prices of roti canai remained the same, ranging from RM1.20 to RM1.70 per piece.
"Most of the mamak restaurants nationwide are running their businesses as usual despite the increasing prices of products such as dhal (lentils) and cooking oil.
"Just two days before, local wholesalers announced that the price of a box of 100 pieces of roti canai dough will be increased to RM2 from June 10, but we cannot simply raise prices on that basis.
"But if the surge of prices remains uncontrolled, there will be a rise in roti canai prices but not more than 10 sen because we need to continue servnig customers, and mamak shops are like a second home for Malaysians.
"Increasing the roti canai prices up to 50 sen is too high and 10 sen is enough if you are selling a good amount of roti canai such as 1,000 pieces per day," he told the New Straits Times when contacted.
Jawahar also noted it is the fourth time the price of roti canai dough has been increased by local wholesalers this year.
He said wholesalers had to raise the prices due to unavoidable circumstances such as the lack of manpower and a fall in ringgit value.
"Shop owners have to oblige with the increase because we do not make our own roti canai but get the roti canai dough from the wholesalers.
Jawahar added that Presma has been keeping tabs with the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry on the rising prices of products.
"If there is any surge in prices, the ministry can set the ceiling price on essential items that could prevent this.
Jawahar also urged consumers to lodge a report with the ministry against eateries charging exorbitant prices for roti canai.